title: CD8+ T cells in asthma: friend or foe?
abstract: While it is well established that CD4(+) T lymphocytes play a crucial role in the initiation, progression and persistence of asthma, the role of CD8(+) T cells is less understood. CD8(+) T cells form functionally similar subsets which exhibit similar cytokine profiles as Th1 and Th2 cells, known as Tc1 and Tc2. Evidence from animal studies suggest that CD8(+) T cells are capable of regulating IgE production through the induction of IL-12 and IL-18 production in dendritic cells, and that CD8(+) T cells may act to moderate Th2 polarisation within the localised lymph nodes during allergic sensitisation. Such findings have led to the suggestion that Th1 polarising, CD8(+) T cell-inducing vaccines would inhibit the development of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and Th2 cell infiltration. Despite these positive findings, the role of CD8(+) T cells within the lung remains poorly understood. While CD8(+) T cells, particularly those expressing the Tc1 phenotype, are capable of moderating inflammation and suppressing AHR, it has been postulated that Tc2 CD8(+) T cells predominate within established asthma and may act to amplify the inappropriate immune response which defines the condition. Within the clinic, the association between CD8(+) T cells and asthma is almost universally defined as injurious, further suggesting a prejudicial role for these cells within the established disease. CD8(+) T cells may be a valuable potential target for therapeutic intervention, either by potentiating their regulatory effects prior to the development of sensitisation, or through suppressing their pro-inflammatory properties within established atopy.
authors.affiliation: Immunology Program and Department of Microbiology, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Betts
authors.forename: D Michael
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Kemeny
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010641:Phenotype
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D016207:Cytokines